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[[File:Model_for_Golgi_during_mitosis.jpg|right|thumb|Morphology of the GA Throughout Cell Division|300px]]
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At the onset of mitosis the Golgi
At the onset of mitosisthe Golgi a polarized position around the cell nucleus and centrosome in a cis-trans fashion. The cisternae are . and in Golgi .
Towards the end on interphase at G2/M of the cell cycle the Golgi ribbons begin to disassemble and assume a peri-nuclear arrangement around the nucleus. Micro-tubules are known to assist in this structural organization.
Towards the end on interphase at G2/M of the cell cycle the Golgi ribbons begin to disassemble and assume a peri-nuclear arrangement around the nucleus. Micro-tubules are known to assist in this structural organization.
'''''Unlinking the Golgi ribbon'''''
'''''Unlinking the Golgi ribbon'''''
Revision as of 11:17, 16 May 2013
2013 Projects: Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5 | Group 6 | Group 7
- 1.1 Structure
- 1.2 Function
- 1.3 History[19]
- 1.4 Behavior of the Golgi during Mitosis
- 1.5 Morphology Throughout Cell Division[31]
- 1.6 Limitations of Current Models
- 1.7 Areas of Future Research
- 1.8 Useful Links
- 1.9 Glossary
- 1.10 References
The Golgi Apparatus discovered in 1897 by physician Camillo Golgi is a vital cellular organelle which is found in almost all eukaryotic cells. It is found in the cytoplasm and facilitates the formation and direction of membrane bound vesicles, mainly formed from proteins directed from the rough endoplasmic reticulum before they reach the plasma membrane. The Golgi is capable of regulating cellular transport and secretion depending on the volume and density of the vesicles and their contents. Structurally, it consists of a series of stacked components of cisternae and has two identified faces- a cis face and a trans face. [1]
The Golgi apparatus is a relatively large, membrane-bound organelle and thus one of the easiest cell structures to study in detail [2]. The organelle is located nearby the cell nucleus and is closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. By observing via metallic impregnation, it can be seen through phase contrast microscopy that the Golgi has a convoluted, dense and "ill-formed" morphology [3]. Initial studies have shown that the organelle has great variance in its form dependent on the type of cell it is in as well as the state of activity that the cell is in. There are roughly around 40-100 Golgi apparatus 'stacks' within a mammalian cell [4].
Overall, the Golgi apparatus is made of 4-8 flattened, membrane-bound sacs that are stacked upon one another [5]. These are known as cisternae. The Golgi also includes associated nearby vesicles. Each cisterna primarily contains products from the endoplasmic reticulum, which enter the Golgi at the cis face – the end that is closest to the ER and accepts incoming vesicles [6]. The cis face is where new cisternae are formed. The products eventually pass through two more functional regions (medial Golgi and endo Golgi networks) and then are exported via outgoing vesicles at the trans face of the organelle. The trans face is where formed proteins are sent off and is the face furthest away from the ER. There is a constant and relatively consistent distance kept between cisternae of the Golgi apparatus [5].
Golgi apparatus is considered to be essential membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that sums all plant, animal and fungi life [7]. It's physical structure is a composition of dozens of flattened cristernae that has been brought together and flattened with fenestrated rims. Golgi has a primary function of modifying and packaging proteins and lipids into several transport carriers to be able to send them to their proper locations. Proteins such as secretory or trans-membrane proteins are delivered from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cis-Golgi network. Consequently, the Golgi act as a series of transportation canal where cargo molecules travel via different Golgi cristernae where residential enzymes modify and post-transitionally process them. Different modification involve different processes such as proteolysis, phosphorylation, glycosylation and sulfation [8]. Different cargo molecules move in different manner in the Golgi stack [9]. One such manner is through cisternal maturation where the cargo remains steady inside the cisternae, eventually forming a new functional cisternae at the cis-side. Coat Protein (COPI) is a complex protein that function by coating the vesicles transporting proteins from the cis end of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)and golgi compartmets. COPI in the Golgi apparatus will be responsible for the process of delivering the Golgi enzymes necessary for maturation of the newly synthesized cisternae that contains the cargo [10] [11] [12].
As an alternative, COPI is a usueful protein that facilitates transportation of different proteins between cisternae however it does not affect the resident enzymes since they reside in a relatively stable cisternal compartments [13] [14]. Cargo molecules may flow through the transient tubular connections between adjacent cisternae [15] or by fast partitioning between different lipid domains [16]. Golgi body also have a region where cargo molecules are being segregated and sorted out and transported to their appropriate destination, such region is called trans-Golgi network. It transports cargo proteins into the wider area destinations of the cell (in and out of cells)such as the plasma membrane and endosomal-lysosomal systems.It also contribute to the process of protein trafficking which is essentialin cell polarity [17] and the process of controlling the cell cycle [18]. Studies suggested that there is a strong link between cell trafficking and its effect to cell growth and the homeostasis of cell cycle.
|The organelle was first described by Camillo Golgi. It was observed via treatment of tissue with potassium dichromate and osmic acid followed by silver nitrate. He termed the organelle 'appareil reticulaire interne' (internal reticular apparatus) and documented his findings in 'Arhives Italliennes de Biol 1898'.
|Up to 1950s
|The term 'Golgi apparatus' was coined in 1910, and its first appearance in scientific literature was in 1913[2]. The organelle was beginning to be observed in many animal cells and from this, SR Cajal concluded that it was a common component in all living cells. However, some French cytologists denied the presence of a Golgi apparatus, claiming it to be an artefact.
|With electron microscopy becoming more and more accessible, Dalton and Felix were able to demonstrate that certain structures observed under the electron microscope matched Golgi and Cajal's description of the 'appareil reticulaire interne'. Vacuoles and cisternae could now also be observed.
|G Farquhar and G Palade recognised 3 key features to the Golgi apparatus through 20 years of research (published 1981 Journal of Cell Biology 91)
• It is divided into compartments
|Studies conducted by J Rothmann et. al. (published as J Rothmann, 1996, Protein Sci, 5) supported the vesicular transport hypothesis. This was done via viral proteins marking vesicle membranes.
|Up to 1990s
|It was believed that all organelles, including the Golgi Apparatus never disappeared during mitosis but remained intact or in a fragmented state which would then be distributed between the two daughter cells. Thus, the two models of organelle partitioning were proposed. [20]
|After the 1990s
|The theory that organelle identity remained (via either models of division) were challenged due to new imaging techniques allowing in vivo studies of intracellular compartments during cell division[21]. These studies suggest that the Golgi apparatus, along with the nuclear envelope are reabsorbed into the ER, and hence disappears during mitosis[22].
Models of Division
Within the category of animal cells, there are several methods of division used by organelles to ensure the proper partitioning of cellular content into daughter cells.
1.) The Stochastic Strategy, determined by the law of probabilities is adopted by organelles which are dispersed and numerous. This accuracy of this method of separation relies of the equal dispersion of organelles throughout the cytoplasm.[23]
2.) An alternate strategy for cell division is the Ordered Partitioning Strategy. Unlike the former this method is highly regulated and organised. It is structured around the theory of mitotic spindles. This method ensures a high degree of accuracy particularly for low number organelles. In general, most membrane bound organelles use both methods through the process of cell division, however some organelles depend on one method more heavily.[24]
There is still much to be uncovered regarding the mitotic division of the Golgi. There are several steps in the process which remain obscure and controversial. Researchers have proposing various models for cell division. However, a general consensus can be seen in three major stages in its partitioning:
- Disassembly/Fragmentation
- Division
- Re-assembly
Behavior of the Golgi during Mitosis
During mitosis, the Golgi can undergoes one of two courses, depending on wether it is from an animal cell or a plant or yeast cell. In animal cells, it completely disintegrates and separates. The cisternae stacks come apart and move away from one another [25]. However in plant or yeast cells, the Golgi remains together. It is just before cytokinesis (during telophase) that the parts of the Golgi reassemble and from an intact organelle (in plant cell mitosis).
Despite being one of the earliest organelles to be identified and studied, there are still grey areas concerning the division of the Golgi Apparatus. Some existing models of division for the Golgi suggest that it interacts with the endoplasmic reticulum during several points throughout cell division. This is due to their structural similarities during the interphase stage of mitosis in mammalian cells. Both consist of interconnect membrane networks and studies have found that both Golgi and ER proteins can be found together in bound vesicles. An experiment conducted by Jesch SA et. al. compares the distribution of the two organelles during interphase using innumnoflourecence microscopy, velocity gradient fractionation and density gradient fractionation. They concluded that the Golgi and the ER do not combine and furthermore that mitotic cells are unable to facilitate the fusion of the two.[26]
It was once theorised that the Golgi apparatus could be formed de novo within daughter and mitotic cells. It has since been discovered that in animal cells, the organelle cannot be synthesised de novo and thus, must divide when a cell divides [27]. Through cytochemical and immunofluorescence light microscopy, it has been shown that the Golgi would undergo breakdown early on in mitosis, giving rise to many Golgi fragments [28]. These fragments (in the form of small tubules and vesicles) would be dispersed throughout the cytoplasm at random. The partitioned Golgi would segregate into even groups and end up in the daughter cells to serve as a template to new Golgi apparatuses[29].
In both animal and plant cells, cytokinesis is the final stage of mitosis, which describes the division of the cell membrane into two separate and independent new cells. It is known that part of the driving mechanism of this process are vesicles formed by the Golgi apparatus[30]. These formed vesicles travel along microtubules of the cytoplasm to the centre of the cell and assist in the cleaving of the cell membrane. Within plant cells, the vesicles travel along the phragmoplast, which forms at the beginning of mitosis and begins the creation of a cell plate.
Morphology Throughout Cell Division[31]
The Golgi apparatus in mammalian interphase cells is composed of flattened, membrane-bound structures approximately 1µm long, named Golgi cisternae. Between two and five cisternae align in a parallel fashion forming a Golgi stack[32]. At the onset of mitosis, the Golgi stacks take a polarized position around the cell nucleus and centrosome in a cis-trans fashion. The cisternae of same polarity belonging to two adjacent stacks are connected by thin tububules, forming the Golgi Ribbons Cite error: Closing
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Unlinking the Golgi ribbon
This process emerge from Interphase to early G2 (prophase). It unlinks the golgi ribbon by detaching the cell's tubular connections between the cell's stacks [33]
Here, fragmentation of the Golgi stacks continue until hundreds of Golgi stacks and vesicles are formed.At this stage the Golgi is a heterogeneous collection of tubular networks, short tubules, and vesicles, termed mitotic clusters.[34] These rudimentary building blocks are organised around the templates of spindle poles and a microtubule network. Research indicates that peaking levels of cdc2 kinase activity triggers much of the structural changes seen in the disassembly process.[35] This indicates that there is a possible correlation between kinase activity and structural fragmentation/assembly.
Metaphase & Anaphase
The clusters formed in prophase adopt a ring-like formation around each centrosome, which are partitioned according to associated spindle poles and a sister chromatids. The division of the Golgi clusters are balanced due to the arrangement of spindle poles and structural support of the microtubules. This method of division should ultimately allow for the accurate partitioning of the Golgi into the resulting daughter cells.
Telophase & Cytokinises
In the final steps of cell division the Golgi stacks begin to combine and re-position themselves at either side of the mid body and at each daughter cell centrosome. Ultimately they slowly begin to merge and reform into Golgi Apparatus.
Limitations of Current Models
A key problem with this line of reasoning is that micro- injection of the identical Sar1p mutant protein (GDP- or GTP- bound form) in interphase cells leads to the fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus into vesicles and tubules very similar to those comprising the MGCs.
This suggests that in itself cessation of transport from the ER is a detrimental factor for the maintenance of the Golgi apparatus and is independent of the localization of Golgi enzymes. One possibility is the requirement for a factor that needs to be transported to a downstream location to regulate maintenance/reassembly of the Golgi apparatus is accumulated in the ER. It is perhaps therefore not possible for normal Golgi reassembly to occur at the end of the mitosis in cells micro-injected with Sar1p DN .
The recycling of Golgi enzymes to the ER observed during interphase could take place to a certain extent during mitosis. More sensitive electron microscopy methods need to be developed to detect endogenous and transfected and epitope-tagged proteins that are expressed at low levels. These enzymes, when present in the ER, could indeed be partitioned in an ER-dependent manner, while others Golgi components, the structural Golgi proteins (see the Introduction), could be partitioned with the MGCs.
Areas of Future Research
- Mechanisms for the redistribution of Golgi clusters in structural dis-assembly during mitosis
- Microtubules are known to play a large role in the partitioning in the Golgi, however there many obscure areas regarding the specific relationship between the two. Studies have shown that there is a hindrance of structural organisation of the Golgi occurs once microtubule disrupting drugs such as nocodazole are introduced into the cells. Further research could clearly identify the role of microtubules and determine whether the relationship is direct or secondary element of regulation.[36]
Useful Links
Golgi Apparatus Maintains Its Organization Independent of the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Partitioning of the Golgi Apparatus during Mitosis in Living HeLa Cells
GA - Golgi Apparatus
ER - Endoplasmic Reticulum
Endocytosis -
Exocytosis -
Microtubules -
Spindles -
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC2106267</pubmed>
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 <pubmed>9865849</pubmed>
- ↑ HW BEAMS, RG KESSEL - The Golgi Apparatus: Structure And Function. International Review of Cytology Vol. 23 1968
- ↑ <pubmed>18385516</pubmed>
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 <pubmed>19866649</pubmed>
- ↑ Krieger M, Scott MP, Matsudaira PT, Lodish HF, Darnell JE. Lawrence Z, Kaiser C, Arnold B. Molecular cell biology (5th edn ed.). 2004 New York: W.H. Freeman and CO
- ↑ <pubmed>21646379</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>6286754</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>19948493</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>9875853</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>16699524</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>16699523</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>9244307</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>12893530</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>15502824</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>18555781</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>16212495</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>18555781</pubmed>
- ↑ Tixier-Vidal A - The History of the Golgi apparatus. From structure to concepts. Biology of the Cell, Volume 90, Number 1, January 1998 , pp. 106-107(2)8
- ↑ Nunnari, J. and Walter, P., 1996, Regulation of organelle biogenesis. Cell., 94, 389-394.
- ↑ <pubmed>12851069</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>12851069</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC6343284</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC2132765</pubmed>
- ↑ Otegui, M.S., Mastronarde, D.N., Kang, B.H., Bednarek, S.Y., and Staehelin, L.A. "Three-dimensional analysis of syncytial-type cell plates during endosperm cellularization visualized by high resolution electron tomography." Plant Cell 13, 2033-2051 (2001)
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC25291</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>519753</pubmed>
- ↑ John M.Lucocq and Graham Warren. Fragmentation and partitioning of the Golgi apparatus during mitosis in HeLa cells. The EMBO Journal vol.6 no. 11 pp. 3239 -3246, 1987
- ↑ <pubmed>12851069</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>15695096</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC1692508</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>12851069</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC17689238</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC3428259</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC1327755</pubmed>
- ↑ <pubmed>PMC2132765</pubmed>
2013 Projects: Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5 | Group 6 | Group 7
- Dr Mark Hill 2013, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G


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United Community Child Care Center in East New York. (Photo by: Tara Siegel)
For thousands of hardworking low-income New Yorkers with preschool children, the stress and financial burdens of finding a safe, nurturing daytime environment for their kids while they work can be an insurmountable challenge. Yet many of the government day care subsidies earmarked for families in need are left untouched. Why? The reason lies in a number of unnecessarily stringent and seemingly arbitrary barriers to eligibility, which has caused day care programs across the city to be underutilized.
In 30 years of working in social services for families and children, and as the executive director of an agency that provides day care for nearly 800 children in New York City, I have seen first-hand how available childcare slots remain vacant because parents are unable to take advantage of the public funding that could help them afford day care. Families struggling to make ends meet need both parents working to have a decent living; and if both parents are in the workforce, someone else needs to care for their children.
But day care is expensive, which is why subsidies are available for parents who have children from 2 months to 12 years old. A limited number of vouchers, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, can be used at any day care facility; thereafter, subsidies are granted for specific local day care facilities, which contract with the state.
This should be a win-win situation: Subsidies provide childcare so both parents can work and better provide for their families. But it doesn't turn out that way. The most egregious of the obstacles is an unfair Catch-22 intended to gauge a family's need for financial assistance.
Currently, a working couple who - like most - cannot afford their own nanny is NOT eligible for state-subsidized day care if their gross household income is a nickel more than $45,000 combined - that is $433 a week per parent before taxes. If that working couple has two children, they would just barely qualify for a day care subsidy; but even then the family would have to pay a weekly fee of $83 - over 19 percent of one parent's gross weekly pay.
And if one parent gets a raise, the family's eligibility disappears. They then would need to pay the full, unsubsidized rate for day care - an average of $170 per week, or almost 40 percent of one parent's gross weekly pay.
Thanks to this artificial, low-income ceiling and restrictive eligibility guidelines, hundreds of available seats for day care in New York City stay unused and empty. Instead, too many children are at home because their low-income parents cannot qualify under the current guidelines.
Consider Linda, Robert and their 3-year-old daughter Mona of Manhattan (who declined to give their last name for confidentiality reasons). Although Robert was unemployed, Linda had a job, and, thanks to their day care subsidy, they were able to enroll their daughter in a local day care center. Mona, who had had behavioral problems in the past, blossomed in day care, where her social skills and creativity began to develop. Then one day Robert came in beaming with the news that he had found a job. But when it came time for the family to be recertified for their subsidy, they were shocked to learn that they were no longer eligible, because with Robert employed they made too much money.
But they didn't make enough to pay the full, unsubsidized fee. So they were suddenly left with an untenable choice: Forego the extra income or scramble to find a less-desirable childcare situation for Mona.
The inexplicable low-income ceiling is not the only reason the city's day care subsidy program is underutilized. Several other barriers to eligibility prevent families from receiving the assistance they need. Among them:
Child support restrictions: A single parent is denied childcare when he or she does not pursue the other parent aggressively for child support. Yet it is widely known that many single parents fear pursuing child support in court: It often upsets fragile, but workable informal agreements between the parents. In other cases the father may be an abuser or unstable or poses another threat.
Red tape: It can take several weeks to get government approval for a subsidized day care slot. Parents must make an appointment at their local resource center, where waits are long. The appointment only comes after an at least three-week processing period. In some neighborhood programs, parents can fill out applications on site, which are then brought by staff to the local resource center. But there is still often a long wait for approval. Job offers and training programs rarely wait that long, so parents often must seek other, usually less desirable, solutions. It is not unusual for a parent to opt for other forms of child care in order to begin a job or start training.
Immigration rules: Any child born in the U.S. is eligible for day care, regardless of whether his or her parent is in the country legally. But rather than simply accept a legal birth certificate as proof of eligibility, current regulations require parents to provide additional personal information. Many do not, for fear of deportation, and so their children cannot participate.
In June 2007 there were 57,673 subsidized day care slots being used by low-income New York City families. That is down from 61,699 the year before - a loss of 4,026 slots or a reduction of 6.5 percent. The slots were cut by the city because they went unused, but not because they were unneeded. The number of slots that are filled still falls far short of the total need. That makes it all the more tragic that outdated policies and bureaucratic red tape have shut out many parents from taking advantage of these valuable services so important to their children's well-being.
It is incumbent upon our city and state elected officials to review these barriers and make the necessary changes to allow existing day care programs to serve their communities by filling empty seats and opening their doors to those who need their services most.
Robert H. Gutheil has served as the executive director of Episcopal Social Services since 2004. Episcopal Social Services is a community service based organization offering comprehensive foster care, family preservation and adoption services; Early Head Start and day care services; after school programs and others. During his tenure, Gutheil has concentrated on the expansion of childcare services.Â

subset: commoncrawl


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Resort Security Site Supervisor (FT) -All Shifts
- Employer
- Talentify
- Location
- Fredericksburg, VA
- Posted
- Aug 24, 2019
- Closes
- Aug 31, 2019
- Ref
- 294720666
- Function
- IT, Security Engineer, Management
- Industry
- Other
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
- Hours
- Full Time
OverviewWe are North America" (TM) s leading security services provider with over 200,000 phenomenal employees. At Allied Universal, we pride ourselves on fostering a promote from within culture. There are countless examples of individuals who began their career as Security Professionals and today hold positions on our senior leadership team. In fact, over 65% of our managerial positions are filled by internal candidates.For all full-time positions, we offer medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 401K, employee assistance programs, company discounts, perks and more! We also offer part-time and flexible schedules!Start your phenomenal career with Allied Universal today!Job DescriptionAllied Universal Services is currently searching for a Professional Security Site Supervisor. Allied Universal, North America" (TM) s leading security services provider, is experiencing tremendous growth. For all full-time positions, we offer medical, dental, vision, flex spending, 401K, an anniversary bonus, and an on-the-spot recognition program. We promote from within our company! " You can be promoted and become one of Allied Universal" (TM) s many success stories.The Full-Time Security Site Supervisor in Fredricksburg, VA will supervise and coordinate the delivery of quality services to an assigned customer. Act as a liaison between customer, Operation Manager and security officers. Supervise site staff, providing coaching, recognition and discipline within approved empowerment range.Supervisory Responsibilities Communicates staffing needs to Operation Manager which may include using the Requisition process, assisting in identifying and interviewing quality candidates Assures that officers receive appropriate training, developing them in both technical and professional skills; also includes performance management (coaching, counseling, disciplining, performance evaluations, recognition, etc.) Assures that employee grievances are heard with help from appropriate branch or region HR support employees Assists with the communication of policies, company announcements and job openings Provides the basis of a great place to work by treating staff with respectEnforcement of Contract Standards Helps Operations Manager identify, meet and exceed the needs of the customer Meets all contractual scheduled hours with a minimum of unbilled overtime Coordinates and/or conduct site-specific OJT, client specific training and annual refresher training for security personnel Reconciles security logs against shift responsibilities and patrols; review incident reports prior to submitting to manager and coordinate preliminary investigations Performs account audits and off-hour visits, completing required documentation Manages uniforms, equipment, supplies and vehicles utilized at the account, maintaining appropriate inventories and maintenance checklistsAdministrative Management Administers site safety programs outlining site-specific hazards for security officers including vehicle / driving safety as appropriate to corporate procedures Prepared to participate in unemployment hearings Capably utilizes scheduling and billing software, and to produce reports (such as Scheduling Activity, Training Detail reports, etc.) that require interpretation and action for effective business management Enforces Allied Universal" (TM) s policies as outlined in the handbooks and executive memosPhysical and Mental Functions: Stand or walk constantly (for up to an entire shift) on various surfaces (tile, concrete, carpet) Climb stairs, ramps, or ladders occasionally during shift Occasionally bend/twist at waist/knees/neck to perform various duties Occasionally lift or carry up to 40 pounds Run as needed Constant use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while using phone, notepad, writing reports, and other administrative tasks Constant use of eyes (correctable vision to normal level required) to observe, read, interact with public and co-workers, view security monitors; includes hand/eye coordination Work in various environments including adverse outdoor conditions such as cold, rain or heat; Constant mental alertness and attention to detail required while setting priorities and following up on assignmentsQualifications/Requirements:Qualified applicants for the Security Site Supervisor position will meet the minimum requirements, as described below: High school diploma or equivalent required At least 21 years of age Must have 1 year law enforcement or 2 years security experience Must possess effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with ability to deal with all levels of personnel and the general public in a professional and effective manner; must be able to use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines Must be able to frequently prepare written reports and logs in neat, legible handwriting; may require computer skills Must be able to read and understand all operating procedures and instructions Must be able to obtain a valid Guard License as required in the state for which you are applying As a condition of employment, employee must successfully complete a background investigation and a post-offer/pre-employment drug/alcohol test and may be required to pass Driver" (TM) s Record check As a condition of continued employment, employee must maintain current active status of all required License at all times, and must carry the license at all times while on duty Must display exceptional customer service and communication skills Remain flexible to ever changing environments; adapt well to different situations Intermediate computer skills to utilize innovative, wireless technology at client specific sites Ability to maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality standard; Neat and professional appearance Ability to provide quality customer service Ability to handle both common and crisis situations at the client site, calmly and efficiently Read, understand and clearly speak English; constantly use speech and hearing (correctable to normal level required) in communicating with public/co-workers, giving and receiving instructions, using phones Must be able to handle pressure of working with high volume general public (constantly to occasionally depending on assignment)ClosingAllied Universal provides unparalleled service, systems and solutions to the people and business of our communities, and is North America" (TM) s leading security services provider. With over 200,000 employees, Allied Universal delivers high-quality, tailored solutions, which allows clients to focus on their core business. For more information: www.AUS.com.We proudly support the Veteran Jobs Mission, a group of over 200 companies that have committed to collectively hiring a total of one million military veterans. EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability Allied Universal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.*SAJRequisition ID2019-315993


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The Abolitionist-Regulationist Debate From Another Era: Sound Familiar?
During race-based slavery in the United States, there were those who said that they believed that slavery should be abolished eventually (whatever that meant) but who refused to criticize the institution of slavery openly and call for its end, and, instead, campaigned for more "humane" slavery.
And there were those who believed in abolition and would not endorse the system of slavery in any way. The former group criticized the latter group claiming that their refusal to jump on the regulationist bandwagon would only strengthen slavery.
Does this sound familiar?
This quote from William Lloyd Garrison, an 19th-century abolitionist, is instructive.
Garrison was clear: If you oppose slavery, you stop participating in the institution. Period. You emancipate your slaves. You reject slavery and you aren't ashamed of your opposition. You don't try to hide it. You openly and sincerely, but nonviolently, express your "persistent, uncompromising moral opposition" to slavery, which is "a system of boundless immorality."
Similarly, if you believe that animal exploitation is wrong, the solution is not to support "happy" exploitation. The solution is to go vegan, be clear about veganism as an unequivocal moral baseline, and to engage in creative, nonviolent vegan education to convince others not to participate in a system of "boundless immorality."
It would have been absurd in the 19th century to claim that there was no difference between those who opposed slavery and those who favored its regulation. It is absurd now to claim that there is no difference between those who propose veganism as a clear, unequivocal moral baseline and those who promote the "humane" regulation of animal exploitation and "compassionate" consumption, and who claim that being a "conscientious omnivore" is a "defensible ethical position."
If you are not vegan, please go vegan. Veganism is about nonviolence. First and foremost, it's about nonviolence to other sentient beings. But it's also about nonviolence to the earth and nonviolence to yourself.
Gary L. Francione
Professor, Rutgers University


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Salted CaramelsChewy caramel dipped in chocolate, then lightly sprinkled with a sea salt garnish. Our Salted Caramels are a delicious marriage of salty and sweet.
Deluxe AssortmentOur most popular box includes 32 of our signature handmade chocolates. Fruits, nuts, creams, chewy and crunchy centers all dressed in chocolate for you to take home.
SnappersSimilar to a "turtle," our version of the popular caramel, pecan and chocolate candy also includes a sweet, chewy Divinity center. An Anderson's original.
Chocolate Covered CherriesWe take the biggest, most juicy maraschino cherries and coat them in our own cordial recipe then dip each in our signature chocolate.
CreamsWe use our own 3rd generation recipes to create rich Buttercream, Pudding, Peppermint cream, Cherrynut, Maplenut, Raspberry, Lemon and many more!
NutsRoasted almonds, whole cashews, giant pecans, Oregon filberts, English walnuts and Brazil nuts - all dipped in a thick coating of rich chocolate.
Everything But NutsFormerly called Hard & Soft Centers, this box is a sampling of everything we make except nuts - caramel, nougat, crunchy mint & molasses chips, & the most popular creams.
Nuts and FruitsJust like it sounds! A selection of nuts, like our roasted nonpareil almonds, and fruits, like our cordial maraschino cherries, smothered in chocolate.
Crunchy, Chewy, Nutty (HardCntr)Walnuts and Brazil nuts, crunchy Cinnamon and Mint pieces, chewy Caramel and Butterscotch; a chocolate-covered collection of our favorite non-cream centers.
Creams and NutsA delicious mix of creams including Buttercream, Meltaway Cream and Marzipan paired with chocolate-covered nuts like almonds, cashews and pecans.
Meltaway FudgeFour kinds of chocolate and a splash of cream makes our fudge smooth, fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth good. Sprinkled with finely chopped English walnuts.
Frosted Mint MeltawayA special version of our Chocolate Meltaway Fudge lightly flavored with triple distilled peppermint oil and wrapped in white chocolate. A lovely, understated mint.
FruitsJuicy cordial cherries, sweet and moist dates, candied coconut and orange peel, Hawaiian pineapple and more - all drenched in chocolate.
Dipped GingerCrystallized Australian ginger pieces, hand-dipped in dark or creamy milk chocolate. A real palate pleaser for those who like the spicy flavor of this prized confection.


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Detroit-based Ally Financial Inc., the auto lender that is majority-owned by the U.S., may raise less than $1 billion in stock to help it pass the Federal Reserve's annual stress test, a person with knowledge of the plans said.Ally, which didn't pass the test earlier this year, is considering raising the money in a private transaction, said the person, who requested anonymity because the figure hasn't been disclosed. Ally must submit a new plan to the central bank before it can return a $17.2 billion U.S. bailout.
The lender is considering ways to repay preferred shares held by the Treasury Department, including using cash on hand or issuing stock, the company said today in a regulatory filing. No decision has been made and any approach may be subject to regulatory approval, according to the filing.
Ally, the former financing arm of General Motors Co., sold about $5.9 billion of convertible preferred shares paying 9 percent to the government as part of a rescue that left the U.S. with a 74 percent stake. Ally can redeem the preferred securities with consent from the Treasury or if the Fed compels a conversion, according to a May 1 filing.
A redemption would double Ally's repayment to the Troubled Asset Relief Program to 70 percent of what the company owed, Jeffrey Brown, vice president of finance and corporate planning, said on a May 1 conference call with investors. The company also has filed to sell shares in an initial public offering.
The auto lender had a capital plan rejected in March after regulators found "deficiencies" in its planning process and capital ratios that failed to meet standards. The Fed doesn't count the preferred securities as capital.


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Carl R. and Noel M. Purdy to Per O. and Pamela S. Sjolinder, 0.011 acre at 646 Miller School Road, $3,000.
Fonda P. and Albert Crawford Sr. to Dragan and Suada Herceg, 2476 Whitney Court, Briarwood, $129,000.
Forbes R. Reback and David Kudravetz, Trustees, to Mary Scott and John H. Birdsall III, 30 acres on State Route 678 at 2755 Schelford Farm, no price given.
Patrick F. and Roslyn R. Nuesch to Paul G. St. Pierre, 5.0 acres on State Route 810, Blackwell Hollow Road, $70,000.
Church Hill Development Co. to James B. Spence III, Trustee, 2.15 acres at Church Hill, $102,500.
Hunter E. Craig Co. to Contracting Services Inc., parcel in Mill Creek, $55,000.
John G. Desmond, Trustee of Belvedere Station Land Trust, to Jeremiah P. and Maureen T. Bresnahan, 1220 Townbrook Crossing, Rivercrest at Dunlora, $296,950.
Ronnie L. Burris to Ruth S. Emlet, 4754 Clover Ridge Court, Highlands at Mechum's River, $150,000.
Marie-Jeanne B. Dane to Joseph R. Dane, parcel in Knollwood subdivision, gift.
Bryan A. and Leslie A. Shepard to Stephen D. and Teresa M. Walsworth, 896 Summit View Lane, Cory Farm, $ 316,500.
Redfields Development Corp. to Craig Enterprises Inc., .997 acres at Redfields, $46,000.
Michael J. Parent to Prudential Residential Services, 159 Buttercup Lane, Lake Reynovia, $178,500.
Prudential Residential Services to Steven Belcher and Monique Moshier, 159 Buttercup Lane, Lake Reynovia, $178,500.
Ellsworth J. Holley Sr. to Veronica Wilson and Ellsworth J. Holley Jr., parcel on State Route 250 West, gift.
Louise C. Putnam-Stoner to John N. Stoner, 11.565 acres at 230 Chestnut Oak Lane, gift.
Julane B. Pezzoli, Trustee, to Paul Warnick, 1222 Clifden Greene, RiverRun, $134,500.
Catherine M. Wood and Dolores W. Peden to Melanie Lee Domres and Glenda Scherer, .90 acres on State Route 655, $179,900.
Susan Meyerson to Sandra I. Lopez-Baez and Sonia A. Ardila, 3208 Gateway Circle, $178,500.
Abiding LLC to Mark Properties LLC, unit in Sachem Place, $220,000.
James L. and Carolyn V. Shifflett to Irene S. Sprouse, 1.3 acres at 4652 Three Notch'd Road, $90,000.
Dan Harvey and Kimberly F. Leake to Gary A. and Johnna S. Paul, 21 acres at 4444 Woodsedge Road, Troy, $575,000.
David Lee and Janice Garrison to Margaret T. Perozzo, 940 Claudius Lane, Crozet, $148,000.
Norman E. and Evelyn W. Blankman to Haley, Chisholm & Morris Inc., 161.36 acres on State Route 663, 1149 Simmons Gap Road, $1,350,000.
Carolyn K. Morris to John H. and Susan F. Kitzmann, 3175 Malbon Drive, Chelsea, Forest Lakes, $283,500.
Mary B. McCue to Richard H. Allan III, 367 Newtown Road, Greenwood, $170,900.
Patricia M. Mastronicola to Richard H. Allan III, 1225 Orchard Drive, Orchard Acres, Crozet, $124,900.
Andrew J. and Brenda C. Dally to David W. Faulconer, 130 Scarborough Place, Sherwood Manor, $130,000.
William S. Musgrave to Kevin E. and Ann Elizabeth Browning, 3214 Sandown Park Road, Glenmore, $429,000.
Benjamin F. and Dorothy M.E. Spears to Gene S. Roberts Jr. and Tammy L. Hood, 4.045 acres at 4688 Old Sand Road, Schuyler, $30,000.
Redlands LLC to David J. and Jill Cain, 229 Buttercup Lane, Lake Reynovia, $165,000.
Redlands LLC to David J. Cain, 231 Buttercup Lane, Lake Reynovia, $215,000.
Sam Enterprises LLC to James B. Spence III, Trustee, lot in Cory Farm, $55,000.
Yi Chwan Chao and Yen Chiu Joyce Chao to Jeffrey and Marcella Kauffman, 1014 Towne Lane, Village Square, $167,500.
Iris H. and Robert E. Carter III to Gerald D. and Marianne F. Starsia, 50.78 acres on U.S. 250, 1123 Shiloh Road, $995,000.
Garth T. Anderson to Margaret A. Cooper-Anderson, 2020 Echo Ridge Road, gift.
Robert Hauser Homes Inc. to Richard M. Branham, 3215 Turnberry Circle, Springridge, Forest Lakes, $288,950.
Southern Property LLC to Marcie Siegel, 1259 Chatham Ridge, RiverRun, $259,500.
Cynthia A. Clafin, Trustee, to Joan and James C. Norwood Jr., 108 Tally Ho Drive, Colthurst Farm, $450,000.
Quarries LLC to Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity, 1.425 acres, $15,000.
Bruce T. Johnson to David D. Owen Jr., 2067 Brownstone Lane, Still Meadow, $357,900.
Shirley Strother and Veronica Grady, Trustees, to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Authority, 1.258 acres at 3245 Earlysville Road, no price given.
David A. Robishaw Jr. to Frank T. and Melissa Ballif, 11 acres at 3328 Buck Island Road, $380,000.
Frank T. and Melissa Ballif to Patricia J. and David A. Robishaw Jr., 2476 Poplar Drive, Poplar Ridge, $630,000.
Andrew J. Parent St. to Kathy Leigh Hobbs-Parent, 1.270 acres at 5695 Locust Lane, Crozet, gift.
Landon R. White to Kenneth P. Ward and Howard L. Wingfield, 2.14 acres off State Route 691, 6083 Jarman's Gap Road, $133,000.
Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity to Bryan K. and Scottye Heilman, 8.302 acres in Samuel Miller district, $55,000.
Jonathan S. and Linda S. Alexander to Kimberly F. Leake, 1817 Franklin Drive, $317,000.
Wade Apartments LLC to Abiding LLC, unit in Sachem Village condominiums, $320,000.
George W. Dansey to Linda R. Whitson, 2.0 acres on State Route 717, 5770 Secretary Sand Road, Esmont, $182,224.
Stephan Hawranke to Bonnie M. and William L. Cooper, lot in Beaver Creek, $56,000.
Donald F. and Joan Y. Harlow to Jason L. Washburn, l/6 undivided interest in parcel on Old Lynchburg Road, $8,000.
Ethen N. Saliba to Susan F. Saliba, 155 Buckingham Circle, gift.
Forest Lakes Associates to Robert Hauser Homes Inc., lot in Willow Bend, Forest Lakes, $62,803.
Eva M. Doss to Charles E. Shifflett, 1537 Ballard Drive, Crozet, $5,000.
Charles William Hurt, Trustee, to Southern Property LLC, 1.605 acres on State Route 1421, $300,000.
Andrew H. Johnson to Edgecombs Imported Auto Sales, 67000 feet in Scottsville Magisterial district, $50,000.
Deal of the Week:
Norman E. and Evelyn W. Blankman to Haley, Chisholm & Morris Inc., 161.36 acres on State Route 663, 1149 Simmons Gap Road, $1,350,000.


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Structural overcapacity in the industry had a negative effect on businesses´ profit margins in 2014, and this negative trend is expected to continue in 2015.
- In 2014 Belgian steel and metals businesses were negatively affected by decreased orders from their main buyer industries construction and automotive. Since the beginning of 2015 shipments have increased again, but this rebound is offset by lower sales prices. At least the sector is helped by lower commodity prices.
- The average payment duration in the steel/metals sector is 90 days. Payment delays and non-payment cases have increased in H2 of 2014, and are expected to rise further in the coming months, as the economic conditions for automotive and construction, as the main sectors for buyers of steel and metals products, are expected to remain subdued.
- Over the last couple of months we recorded increasing insolvencies, mainly in the metals manufacturing subsector. That said, steel/metals business failures are expected to level off in H2 of 2015.
- In general, our underwriting stance remains neutral for steel and metals businesses, however we have become more cautious on the metals manufacturing segment, scrutinising buyers in this subsector more closely. Even very well established metals manufacturing companies have faced or are facing problems due to limited orders.


text:
Please carefully read the requirements below to ensure that your visit is as fast and efficient as possible.
The location the you have chosen offers driving tests for non-commercial vehicles (Class C licenses) only, NOT for commercial drivers.
If you do not fall into one of these categories, please visit a driver license office to schedule a driving test appointment.
An applicant for a minor's restricted driver license (hardship license) cannot schedule a driving test online. He or she must schedule the test in an office.
To make sure you have everything you need for your visit, please carefully review what you will need to apply for a driver license and bring the following items to your appointment:
If you use a rental vehicle for the test, the person taking the driving test must be listed on the rental agreement as an authorized driver. You must show proof that the rental vehicle is covered by liability insurance either by accepting the liability damage waiver when you rent the vehicle or by showing proof that your personal auto liability insurance covers rental vehicles. NO additional passengers (this includes infants, children, family members and / or friends) will be allowed in the vehicle during the driving test.


text:
I have a C#/GDI+ paint application (winform) in which I draw different shapes with different colors and pen sizes. Now, the shape drawing I have handled, but using a 'free pen' as you would in MS Paint, I have also had it done but it is rather ugly (see pic).
(Meaning of most variables can be deduced but I can explain if necessary.)Code:if (crtanje) { debljina = float.Parse(debljina_box.Text); Graphics gr = Graphics.FromImage(bit); gr.SmoothingMode = SmoothingMode.HighQuality; olovka = new Pen(boja, debljina); gr.DrawLine(olovka, new Point(prethodnoX ?? e.X, prethodnoY ?? e.Y), new Point(e.X, e.Y)); panel1.CreateGraphics().DrawImageUnscaled(bit, new Point(0, 0)); prethodnoX = e.X; prethodnoY = e.Y; }
My app works that firstly I draw images on a bitmap (called 'bit' in this case), which are then created on a panel and then the panel paint event shows what I have drawn. But in this case, the pen is quite ugly, I assume because of the procedure: create graphics-draw line-draw on panel takes some time in between steps.
Is there a way to make this smoother?


text:
Can Mathematica find the asymptotics of a function in the following sense?
I have
Log[1/n^2]/Log[4^(-Sqrt[Log[n]]) + (2^(-Sqrt[Log[n]]) - 1)^2]
and I would like to know an asymptotic approximation when $n$ is large. That is a simple function that is within a constant multiplicative value in the limit when $n \rightarrow \infty$. If instead it was
Log[1/n^2]/Log[4^(-Sqrt[Log[n]]) + (2^(-Sqrt[Log[n]]))^2]
then I know that
Log[1/n^2]/Log[4^(-Sqrt[Log[n]]) + (2^(-Sqrt[Log[n]]))^2]/Sqrt[Log[n]]
tends to a constant value. My question is how could you use Mathematica to discover that $\sqrt{\log{n}}$ is the right answer in the second case and to find whatever the right solution is in the first case?
By trial and error I happen to know that the right answer in the first case is somewhere between $2^{\log^{1/2}{n}}$ and $2^{\log^{1/2+\epsilon}{n}}$.


text:
Purchased 2013 Nissan Leaf S. Figured in San Diego we should be okay as far as climate conditions.
Also, the california-lead EVSE program & the $7500 credit / $2500 rebate really helped sweeten the deal for us.
Thanks to the EVSE charger install, we're driving our leaf about a solid 80-90 miles a day (on two separate trips).
There are quite a few EVSE chargers scattered across the county too, which is a plus. Great experience so far. We're just trying to practice good charging habits (by only taking it to 80%) but sometimes that can be hard since we live in north county, anywhere we want to go is usually 10+ miles south of us.


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Clean Air Asia is an international NGO that leads the global mission for better air quality and healthier, more livable cities in Asia. We reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in 1000+ cities in Asia through science-based policies and programs that cover air quality, transport and industrial emissions and energy use.Learn More >>
The Integrated Programme for Better Air Quality in Asia (IBAQ Programme) is addressing the growing challenge of air pollution in Asia and is directly contributing to the development of healthier and more livable cities throughout the region. The IBAQ Programme, launched in July 2014 by Clean Air Asia and the Ministry of the Environment of… . . Read More
The overall outcome of the project is the improved availability and quality of transport data in the Developing Member Countries of the Asian Development Bank, and thus help guide decisions on transport investments and policies, which are in line with sustainability objectives. The impact will be better informed policies and investment decisions in DMCsin support… . . Read More
In China, Clean Air Asia is the only international NGO fully dedicated to air quality work and one of the pioneers in city-level air quality management, having established a city network numbering 13 cities in this regard.
Clean Air Asia India is focused on transport, green freight and sustainable mobility work bringing projects such as the walkability study in Indian cities, the Walkability App, National bus fuel efficiency framework, Green trucks toolkit for India and its case study, online freight brokerage platform etc.
Marking the inaugural United Nations' International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, we are today launching our new strategy that will shape our work in the coming decade and address both current air quality and climate challenges and sustainable development priorities in the post-COVID-19 era. The release of our new strategy comes in the… . . Read More
The launch today of our new City Solutions Toolkit is another step forward in enabling city administrations and local government units to improve air quality in Asia's cities. Supporting the implementation of our landmark Guidance Framework for Better Air Quality in Asian Cities, the City Solutions Toolkit provides step-by-step guidance on the key elements… . . Read More
Clean Air Asia's 10th Better Air Quality Conference – Asia's largest air quality event – kicked off in Kuching, Malaysia, on Wednesday, November 14, with a timely reminder of the need for countries throughout the region to work together to address the critical issue of air pollution. The BAQ conference, running from November 14-16 and… . . Read More
Clean Air Asia's biennial Better Air Quality Conference (BAQ) is the region's leading international air quality conference. It covers the key sectors of transport, energy, industry and climate change, drawing world-renowned experts from multiple sectors, as well as policymakers, practitioners and industry leaders. BAQ provides a venue for the exchange of the latest air quality development and trends, and for networking, innovation, and experience-sharing. Since the first BAQ in 2002, the conferences have proven to leverage change and influence policies, and facilitate the development of new projects and programs throughout Asia and the establishment of innovative partnerships.
|The Vietnam Association for Conservation of Natural Resources and Environment (VACNE) formed the Vietnam Clean Air Partnership (VCAP) in 2006 to mobilize individuals and organizations to participate in activities which improve air quality, protect public health and promote the country's sustainable development.
VCAP is Clean Air Asia's Country Network in Vietnam which is part of the Clean Air Asia Partnership. Cities, national government agencies, academic institutions, non-government organizations, private sector companies, and development agencies can apply for free membership to the Clean Air Asia Partnership. The application form can be downloaded here.
Contact Person:
Phan Quynh Nhu
Secretary General
Email: [email protected]
3504 - 3505 Robinsons Equitable Tower
ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Pasig City, Philippines 1605
Tel: +632 6311042
Fax: +632 6311390
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Beijing, China, 100600
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text:
Skip to Main Content
Doing Business
How Do I...
Departments A-G
Assigned Counsel (Public Defender)
For Clients & Families
Courts We Support
Juvenile Court
Family Drug Court
Family Drug Court
About the Family Drug Court Program
Pierce County's Family Drug Court is a federal grant-funded drug court model recently established in Pierce County. It involves a partnership between the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (DAC),
Office of the Attorney General
Pierce County Superior Court
and the
Pierce County Alliance
, a private drug treatment facility. The program was designed to provide a means for rehabilitating the drug-addicted parents of juveniles involved in dependency cases prompted by the
State Department of Social and Health Services
The program demands a rigorous drug treatment schedule, which is monitored and scrutinized judicially. The model encourages family contact during the treatment period with the intent of motivating and providing positive reinforcement to all parties involved.
The objective of the program is to reunite families involved in drug-related state dependency cases by providing drug-addicted parents with an alternative to the potential termination of parental rights.
Positive Program Outcomes
Since its inception, the program has achieved a very high success rate in reuniting families who faced separation. Other positive results of the Family Drug Court program have been a reduced demand for foster placement resources and less-frequent redundancy cases.
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Whole Wheat Bran Bread
"MOM CREATED the recipe for this bread herself, and it's a winning combination of ingredients. It's always a treat when it's on the table accompanying one of her delicious meals."
Total TimePrep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 25 min.
Makes2 loaves
- 1-1/2 cups water, divided
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 cup All-Bran
- 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup dark molasses
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water and milk; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in the cereal, butter, molasses, sugar and salt. Cool to lukewarm. Heat remaining water to 110°-115°; pour into a large bowl. Sprinkle with yeast; stir until dissolved. Add cereal mixture and whole wheat flour; beat well. Add enough all-purpose flour to make a stiff dough. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch the dough down. Shape into two loaves and place in greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes.
If Cooking for Two: Wrap one loaf in heavy-duty aluminum foil and freeze to enjoy later.


text:
[Beneath The Radar]
Eight years of Republican "leadership" has left America both economically devastated, and globally humiliated.
Yet, far from apologizing for the damage that they've done to the stability and image of this great nation, instead, the people responsible for the damage have circled the wagon and gone into damage control mode.
They're not trying to ameliorate the damage that they've done to the nation; they are attempting to rewrite history in order to control the damage that they've done to themselves.
President Barack Obama is desperately trying to return America to its former position: economic stability at home; and, respect, admiration, and moral authority abroad.
The GOP leadership seems to be completely oblivious to the nation's desperate and immediate need for a concerted effort in that regard. They're like clueless children who find it impossible to see the big picture. Thus, at this point it has become abundantly clear that their primary concern is not with restoring America to a sound footing in the world, but rather, simply restoring themselves to power at any cost.
This situation points out the wisdom of always seeking to draw something of value from every adversity, and in this case, we should seek enlightenment. In spite of the fact that virtually everyone in the Bush Administration managed to avoid serving this nation in uniform—Bush went AWOL, and Cheney obtained five deferments— the GOP has somehow managed to pre-empt and wrap themselves in the glorious vestments of "patriotism."
The current situation should teach us a valuable lesson in that regard–never go by what people say; always go by what they do. And what are they doing? While the American people are experiencing the kind of suffering that this country hasn't seen since the Great Depression, and the United States has become the "Dick Cheney" of the world, the GOP's one and only concern is how they can regain power.
Is that patriotism? I don't think so.
There's only one word to describe this current batch of Republican wing nuts--and you have to go outside the English language to find it--chutzpah. They've left this nation's global standing at its lowest ebb ever, and they've also left us much less safe.
But in spite of that, Sean Hannity and FOX news have seen fit to trot out Dick Cheney to lecture President Obama on national governance and world affairs. What Makes these people think that anyone is interested in listening to anything this guy has to say?
The vice president of the Crips has a higher approval rating than Dick Cheney, so the Republicans can have but one motive--to create division and disseminate propaganda. Hannity's time would have been better spent holding a séance, then conjuring up the spirit of John Wayne Gacy to give us a lecture on child rearing. It couldn't have been any less productive, but at least there would have been an entertainment factor involved.
Then you have Carl Rove trying to imply that President Obama is turning America into a Banana Republic. When I first heard him say this, the word "stupid" immediately came to mind. Either Rove is stupid, or he thinks the American people are complete fools.
Now, think about it. Wasn't Carl Rove a major part of the very Administration that: lied us into war and illegally invaded a sovereign state; sent our troops off to war without the proper equipment to keep themselves alive; then made them pay for their own meals while lying wounded in the hospital; then looted the nation's treasury and resources; setup no-bid contracts to enrich their cronies; and, spied on their own citizens.
Today they are trying to convince America that torture and all of the things listed above are okay, so that Bush, Cheney–and their entire crowd-- won't be prosecuted for war crimes in addition to defrauding the American people. All this senseless waste of human life for personal gain.
If I'm not mistaken, I think Carl Rove was indeed a major part of all that. So, who looks, sounds, and behaves more like tinhorn dictators? Before Rove started pointing his finger at President Obama, he should have smelled it first.
As a direct result of the greed, poor judgment, and self-service of Bush, Cheney, Rove & co., instead of focusing our efforts on the Pakistan and Afghanistan border where Osama Bin Laden and the others who planned and executed the Nine-Eleven attack on America were in hiding, they went to Iraq and began to torture detainees. They were not protecting America; they were attempting to justify the lies they were telling the American people in order to steal Iraqi oil, enrich themselves, and loot our nation of the necessary resources to fund the New Deal programs that they couldn't attack legislatively.
Now, as a direct result of that flawed judgment, we have the Taliban a mere 60 miles away from a nuclear-armed Pakistan. So I don't know about the rest of America, but to me, Dick Cheney and Carl Rove's claim of keeping us safe is sounding pretty ridiculous about now.
To even consider "moving on" without prosecuting these individuals is out of the question. If we simply turned the page on this matter, we become accessories to their war crimes. In addition, we cannot allow them to just walk away from placing the survival of this nation–and indeed, the world--in serious jeopardy.
And further, if we are fortunate enough to survive this unmitigated episode of irresponsibility, we need to send an unmistakably graphic message to the next group of budding demagogues, who they've undoubtedly planted throughout the government. If Nixon had gone to prison for Watergate and Reagan had become his cellmate for selling arms to Iran, we wouldn't be going through what we're going through right now.
And finally, we have a moral responsibility to the world. A nation cannot just turn the page after its leaders have committed war crimes and are responsible for the slaughter and displacement of a million people. That page won't turn without the offending nation engaging in aggressive corrective action.
If it were any other nation, the United States would demand accountability, so we can demand nothing less of ourselves.
I know--they're simply wing nut Republicans, but their behavior in office was much more than a meaningless prank.
Just because we put up with them, doesn't mean that the world should have to. After all, we even carry a pooper scooper for our pets. Trying to walk away from the atrocities of the past eight years would be like defecating and then trying to walk away without cleaning up.
We'd have to walk wide-legged and very uncomfortably, throughout the rest of history.
Editor's Note: Should Cheney and other senior officials that lied and led the U.S. into an illegal war and authorized torture be prosecuted? Send us your comments to email@example.com for publication
For more brilliant writing by Black Star News columnist Wattree http://wattree.blogspot.com
"Speaking Truth To Empower."
I think you have "Filtered HTML" turned on here. If you switch to "Full HTML," it will probably...
Black Star News has been producing stellar investigative journalism since 1997, including focusing on police brutality and other abuses targeting marginalized communities. We have broken several major stories. We welcome news tips to firstname.lastname@example.com and firstname.lastname@example.com
We need your advertising support to produce strong journalism, especially during periods of economic instability, so please contact email@example.com for advertising rates and long term packages.
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text:
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Apple Inc. started the week off in the tech sector spotlight Monday with the company's stock price getting a small lift after billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn said he would drop his efforts aimed at getting Apple to buy back an additional $50 billion of the company's stock.
In an open letter to Apple
Icahn said that as a result of Apple's buybacks, and the recommendation of ISS, "we see no reason to persist with our non-binding proposal, especially when the company is already so close to fulfilling our requested repurchase target."
Icahn also recently said that he had purchased $500 million more of Apple's stock, bringing his stake in the company to more than $3 billion. Since divulging his initial Apple investment in August 2013, Apple's stock price has risen 12.7%.
Analyst Robert Cihra, of Evercore Partners, said the end of Icahn's efforts came down to arguing just how much is enough for Apple to return to shareholders from its approximately $160 billion cash reserve.
"I think it was one thing to argue, justifiably, for Apple to start returning some of its massive cash pile back to shareholders as dividends and buybacks a couple of years ago when it was giving back nothing," Cihra said. "But having now added and even increased its buybacks and dividends over the past year, I'm not sure calls for "more, more" carry the same weight."
In addition to Apple, another notable tech gainer was Yelp Inc.
Yelp got a lift following a report in the Wall Street Journal said the company is entering a new partnership with Yahoo Inc. US:YHOO in which Yahoo will incorporate Yelp's listings and reviews of local businesses into Yahoo's search results. Yelp also has similar deal in place with apple and Microsoft Corp.
The overall tech sector was showing mild gains, as the Nasdaq Composite Index
More must-read news from MarketWatch:
It's 'as if 100,000 service-sector jobs went missing,' Rosenberg says


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Pulaski area? Roanoke?
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Re: Pulaski area? Roanoke?
Did you get any replies to anyone near you? I am in Richlands not too far from Pulaski I actually live in Pulaski till 2007. I did see something about people in Abingdon but that was a few years ago so I was not sure if things are still going on in this area. If you know let me know! Thanks
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Pulaski area? Roanoke?
Anybody in my area?
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text:
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Arians learns a valuable lesson as Eagles top Cards
PHILADELPHIA - Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians has probably had enough of Broad Street in Philadelphia.
In another life, one he would evidently like to forget, Arians was the head coach of Temple University on North Broad in the City of Brotherly Love, compiling a 27-39 record on the field from 1983 through 1988.
Fast forward 25 years and Arians was just off South Broad, watching his playoff-hopeful Arizona Cardinals lose a tough 24-21 decision to the Philadelphia Eagles, thanks in large part to three turnovers from his quarterback Carson Palmer.
"You can't turn the football over," Arians said after the contest. "We lost the football game with self-inflicted wounds. We didn't create any turnovers and we obviously turned it over."
Since leaving Temple, Arians has spent all of the ensuing years, save for one three-year stint as the offensive coordinator at Mississippi State in the early 1990s, in the NFL. He's clearly forgotten his roots at the collegiate level and made the return trip to Philadelphia on Sunday as an "old school" NFL guy.
No, Will Ferrell wasn't there streaking through HeadHouse Plaza but Arians' superior attitude, along with his imposing defense, invaded Lincoln Financial Field with a bit of an edge.
Arians unexpectedly added a little fuel to an old rivalry which hardly exists these days. In fact, the only real animosity between these two combatants stemmed from the fact this was a really important December game for two teams that weren't expected to play meaningful football come Christmas time.
The reigning NFL Coach of the Year, however, played the old "Charlie College" card when taking aim at his counterpart, Eagles rookie coach Chip Kelly.
"I still think it's a great offense," Arians said of Kelly's purported love of the zone-read while talking on a conference call to Philadelphia-area media earlier in the week. "It's a great college offense when you put a great athlete back there.
"But when you're facing great athletes, with the speed that's in the NFL who are chasing these guys, unless you're superhuman, you're going to get hurt sooner or later -- not hurt, but beat up and bruised up. And you don't want your quarterback feeling bruised up when he's trying to throw and be
The Cardinals, of course, have plenty of great athletes with the speed to hurt or beat up opposing signal callers. The front seven is as impressive as it gets with difference-makers like Calais Campbell, Darnell Dockett, John Abraham and Daryl Washington standing out. Meanwhile, the back end, headlined by All-Pro corner Patrick Peterson, isn't too shabby either.
And to its credit, Arizona did slow down Kelly's offense a bit.
Coming into this game Chip's gimmick had amassed nine different 400-yard games in 11 starts with a chance to become only the second team in NFL history to put up 10 in 12 starts. Meanwhile, Nick Foles arrived as the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November, who put together a ridiculous 152.8 passer rating (932 yards, 10 Tds and 0 INTs) over the Eagles' prior three games, all wins. Since 1960 only one other player -- Craig Morton's 155.2 in 1969 -- had a better rating over the three-game span.
The Cards allowed only 307 total yards and Foles performed like a mere mortal, with only an Aaron Rodgers- or Peyton Manning-like passer rating of 112.0. He also finally threw an interception to Peterson at least for a moment before a very late flag for holding on safety TDs Mathieu wiped it all away.
Foles finished with 237 yards and three more touchdowns on 21-of-34 passing. He now has 19 scoring passes on the season without a pick, the second-best start in league lore behind Manning's 20 and 0 kick off to this season.
The Arizona D stiffened in the guts of the game, however, forcing five straight punts and giving Palmer and Co. a chance to win it late. The Cards took over at their own 10-yard line with just over two minutes to play but Arian's offense managed only five yards on a quick four-and-out.
"It was such a tight game but it was a little setback for us," Arizona star receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who had five receptions for 73 yards and a TD, said. "We would have loved to win this game but we didn't do enough but it's not the end of the world. It was a learning experience and I know we will bounce back."
Overall, while playing behind a shaky offensive line, Palmer was 24-of-41 passing for 302 yards with three touchdowns, two interceptions and a fumble in the setback, one which really stunts Arizona's postseason hopes with both San Francisco and Carolina winning.
"We did not play as well as we would have liked," left tackle Bradley Sowell said of a unit which allowed five sacks. "They came out with more energy than we did."
It should be a learning experience for Arians, who is hardly the first old-school guy to voice a critical opinion on zone-read philosophies, And heck, in regards to the Eagles at least, Arians is right -- the ultra-mobile and oft-injured Michael Vick, a supposed prototypical fit for Kelly and his offense, has
been banged-up with an assortment of maladies.
Kelly's offense, though, has worked with Vick running things and got even better with the lead-footed Foles, a pure dropback passer who does not have a skill-set even remotely comparable to dual-threat signal callers like Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick or Robert Griffin III. Yet, the former University of Oregon mentor has found a way to tweak his system and make things work.
On Sunday, it was getting the tight ends involved early. Talented rookie Zach Ertz had his finest day as a pro, catching five balls for 68 yards and two TDs, while veteran Brent Celek added four receptions and another score.
"We thought we would be used a little more this game in particular because of the way they play their defense," Ertz said. "They put a lot of safeties on us in man-to-man coverage. We think that against any safeties we can get open and fortunately Nick made some great throws today."
Ertz might as well been saying, Kelly adjusts. The Eagles are not employing a one size fits all offensive system, defined by two words -- zone read. So, instead of dismissing the latest fad, perhaps Arians should learn a little from it.
More than a few people in positions of power across the NFL feel the innovation in football, particularly offensive football, is going on outside the NFL in places like college, where Kelly developed his rep, or even the CFL, where the Chicago Bears went to pluck Marc Trestman.
Pointing to hiccups players like Newton have already undergone, and Kaepernick and RG3 are currently experiencing, is not an indictment of an entire philosophy.
In the end, Arians did have the athletes to slow Kelly down but not to stop him and that says a lot.
"We played good enough to play close," Arians said. "But, not good enough to win this football game in the fourth quarter. We didn't make enough plays."
Posted by Unknown at 8:08 PM
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This game starts with a lot of questions and suspense. A girl name Hope calls you for some help. It's a mystery why she called you. Why she needs help? You have no idea about hope or her situation, but you can judge from her looks that she is frightened and desperately looking for some help.
Republique is an episode game. The first episode of the game has a lot to offer. The strong characterization along with a pretty decent story line helps the game to establish its own identity. Throughout the game, you will not be able to interact directly with the main character of the game 'Hope'. You will have remote communication with her through security cameras and mobile phones.
Using the security camera, you will help Hope throughout the game to make sure that she can take the guards out and escape the containment facility. At times, she may call you to help her out of challenging situations.
Using the security camera, all you have to do is help her come up with a strategy to help her. One interesting thing about the game is that as you switch between two cameras the time freezes. This helps you to analyze the situation in a better way, come up with strategy and go through emails. Interesting, right?
While reviewing this game, I enjoyed it. And helping Hope throughout the game is one heck of a good feeling. And the moment she completes one area without any trouble makes you feel like a real life hero. Now this is a very rare feeling one can have while playing the game. I must say that developers deserve an accolade for this.
A lot of questions will pop up in your throughout game. You have no idea or clue why you are helping Hope to get out of the containment facility. And to solve this mystery I kept on playing the game. At some point, you may find the game dull but then all of a sudden you will find something to keep you interested in the game.
Republique is a very different game from the ones we have lately reviewed. It has the mystery, strong storyline, pretty good gameplay and a lot of unanswered questions to keep you interested. However, you may find it a bit dull and boring at some point.


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Outdoor living spaces have changed drastically over the years. A simple cover patio with a grill has given way to lush furnishings and outdoor kitchens. We have transformed them into an extension of our indoor space.
Creating the perfect outdoor space is high on many people's list today, especially when some folks are spending more time at home than in times past. Here are some great pieces of furniture to accent your outdoor living space.


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I really don't mean for this blog to be so Tor-centric but...
Shriek just came into the office and I love what our senior designer, Peter Lutjen, did with this Jonathan Edwards photograph. The interior design department (which is oddly separate from the art department) created a great text layout for the book as well.
Friday, July 14, 2006
I really don't mean for this blog to be so Tor-centric but...
Labels: Peter Lutjen, Tor Books
3 comments:
- J Crowley said...
Tor seems to have some excellent covers done by pretty amazing artists. What's more, there's a pretty clear indication that the artist has read at least a part of the book.
I've seen some terrible ones recently from other publishers, mostly on an archive of international covers of Philip K. Dick's novels over the years. The ones used on the most recent publishing run by Vintage are particularly insipid. They look like something an eighth grader would've whipped up in MSPaint at the last minute for a school project they hated. And the very pixellated reference to the poem about the torso of Apollo really doesn't have the effect one assumes they were going for.
Anyway, this is indeed another great cover, and, as always, I am impressed.
I like a game which you need use dofus kamas to play. If you want to be online to play this game, I can borrow kamasto you. When you have cheap kamas, and than you can go on this game. Of cause, when you are first to play, you can dofus gold. If you have enough buy dofus kamas
, you will be able to different games.
Later my friends told me that if I want to play the game better I should go to earn the Perfect World Gold, so I was very quickly risen to thirty levels, and then I started to play the game alone.I go to Buy Perfect World Gold to treat myself in this game. However she was also very sad when I was hurt, she was sorry about this to me and I did not complain her at last. I was very happy and we went to earn the Perfect World Silver to equip us to become strong. Today I play the game again and I can get a lot of Perfect World money for her, I take her to upgrade and then add her experience. I have a lot of cheap Perfect World Gold and I want to give her in the game, i can have a lot of pw gold if my skills of playing the game well.


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A few words about «Light Dose»
«Light Dose» — a modern, dynamic, high-quality OnePage HTML template. Following the trends in design, we tried to create, first of all, convenient and functional product that will not take a lot of time to configure and setup. And most importantly, it will fit almost everyone. Flat design, simple and expressive animation will make your content unique. One can go to talk about all the advantages and opportunities of the template, but enough to see the live preview and everything will be understandable to you.
So, what is «Light Dose»?
Key features
- Fully responsive web design for all devices;
- Retina ready!
- Twitter Bootstrap Compatible;
- Google Web Fonts;
- Compatible on all major modern browsers;
- Well documented;
- Unlimited colors;
- Great dynamics and navigation;
- Full layered PSD Files;
— Added: feedback ajaxForm support; — Added: sample email script; — Added: whole-page video background; — Added: adjustable blur effect for parallax/page backgrounds; — Added: language selection menu; — Added: hover invertion for «Our Works»; — Fixed: filter animation in «Our Works»; — Fixed: parallax code optimization; — Fixed: various wordpress styling adjustments; — Updated: documentation;
Font used
- Arial
- Segoe UI


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White T (Starring Mixon Twins, Faizon Love, Terrence J Of 106 & Park & More) [Movie Trailer]
"The brand new trailer for the feature film White T. Follow the comedic adventures of two brothers as they try not to blow their chance to perform with the rap legend Real Deal, starring: Jerod Mixon, Jamal Mixon, Faizon Love, Eric Roberts, Chyna, Tommy "tiny" Lister, Tony Cox, Tone Loc, Fatman "
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


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Medicine's Michelangelo: The Life and Art of Frank H. Netter, MD
Francine Mary Netter, daughter of famous medical illustrator Frank Netter, MD, will be the guest speaker at the 45th Annual Meeting of the Friends of the P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library. Drawing on her personal remembrances, her father's autobiographical notes, and hundreds of interviews, she will discuss his life and work and provide a personal glimpse into the man behind the art.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Cash bar 6:30 PM
Dinner 7:00 PM
Old San Francisco Steak House
10223 Sahara Street (off San Pedro north of Loop 410)
$55 per person
$35 for students (Student price includes dinner and annual membership in the Friends)
The Friends of the P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library invite students to attend the dinner and to become members of the Friends. Students are encouraged to apply for sponsorships to cover the cost of registration and membership.
Advanced registration is required.
Send completed Reservation_Form and sponsorship requests to Lisa Matye Finnie, Special Collections Librarian, at firstname.lastname@example.com by October 23, 2015 or call 210-567-2406 for more information.
Tags: September 2015


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Don't worry,,Trant wrote:I hate to argue with Mr Fo, butfokiten wrote: NO EXPERIENCE NECESARRY,,,we'll teach you how to rig launch and,,bla bla bla SAFE SAFE SAFE, the rest is up to you...
andKiteboarding Level One - 2 hours, $140 pp
Requirements: Previous experience or 'Intro to Kiteboarding' Essential
So no guarantees, at least 2 lessons and the suggestion of having more.To become proficient at an IKO 'Kiteboarder Level One' standard - you might require more than one lesson.
Training method aside, this doesn't sound too bad to me. At least, I got by on 2 lessons (not Kitepower)
You're not arguing with me,,,
The no experience "come on" is for the intro lesson which is 2 hours,,
AND this no experience necessary 2 hours IS
the required previous experience for the ALL INCLUSIVE GOOD TO GO IT ALONE< as advertised> level one,,
or I guess you could just say Yeah,,I've watched a video...and skip the first two hours??
It don't matter BECAUSE
the level one,,,INCLUDES A REVEIW of the INTRO class,,Don't know how long that takes?
At any rate it's a total of four hours that reviews the first two hours...
Say,,,how sweet is that? BAM you're good to BUY,,,And (as advertised) good to go it alone...
Like I say you 're not aruging with me
PS. I'd post the link so you could see it for yourself, but Toby is editing my post's and taking out the actual links?
What can you do???
Go Figure?Toby wrote:good work!
Our sports needs things like this!
And hey, it is a quite expensive sport, so they should have the extra bucks to learn it right!


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Our API directory now includes 25 comparison APIs. The newest is the TipTap Lab API. The most popular, in terms of mashups, is the Shopzilla API. We list 27 Shopzilla mashups . Below you'll find some more stats from the directory, including the entire list of comparison APIs.
In terms of the technical details, REST and XML lead the way. There are 19 comparison REST APIs and 2 comparison SOAP APIs. Our directory lists 17 comparison XML APIs and 15 comparison JSON APIs.
The most common tags within comparison are 24 comparison shopping APIs, 5 comparison prices APIs and 4 comparison search APIs
On the mashup side, we list 45 comparison mashups. We profiled the Noodler Car Comaprison as mashup of the day in March.
For reference, here is a list of all 25 comparison APIs.
CompareDownload API: Online music download store
Consumer Notebook API: Product comparison site
DataFeedFile.com XML API: Comparison shopping service
Ecato Shopping API: Site price comparison service
Everbread Haystack mini API: Online travel comparison service
Flextrip API: Travel booking and comparison services
GBR Direct API: European business activity data service
GoodRx API: Drug Price Comparison Service
Idealo API: UK price comparison service
InvisibleHand API: Lowest price finder
Luzme API: Ebook price data engine
OrderHarmony API: Online stock control system
PriceCheckIndia API: Shopping comparison service
Pricecut API: Coupons, deals and price comparison service
PriceFlurry API: Global price comparison
PriceGrabber API: Comparison shopping engine
PriceSpin API: Shopping Price Comparison Servcie
revAdd API: Price comparison services
Shockedfish API: Video game price comparison service
Shopzilla API: Online shopping content
sletoh.com API: Hotel price comparison service
Tiket API: Online ticket booking service
TipTap Lab API: Consumer behavior profiling tools
Travelope API: Travel booking and comparison services
VigLink Catalog API: Product Database Service


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Successful guild masters and officers are always attentive to the concerns of their membership. It is your job to understand your guild's psychological makeup and status. If your raiders are happy and enthusiastic, you're probably aware of it, as people tend to be demonstrative about positive emotions. However, little worries and concerns can bubble below the surface of an otherwise stable guild, and, without the leadership ever being aware, a small problem can turn into a guild-breaking one overnight. How can you address these explosive problems before they grow to dangerous levels? Read on for some tips on eliticing–and dealing with–feedback from your members.
How Do I Get Them To Talk to Me?
Face it, Guild Master, you are one scary dude or dudette. You are The Man (or The Woman), and that means most people will tiptoe around subjects that might be controversial when you're around. Rest assured, however, that your guild members have opinions, and they want the leadership to listen and to react to them. Here are four things you can do to get your guildies to tell you their little secrets.
1. Have Guild Meetings on Vent
Collateral Damage does this every couple of months, and it's quite helpful. The officers start out with a little "state of the guild" address and then turn over the floor for member questions and concerns. Now, when it's time for members to talk, don't expect the discussion to start immediately. I learned through teaching my college classes that a little silence is ok at the outset of a discussion. People are getting their thoughts together and mustering the courage to speak. You can ask little questions to prompt them, but make sure you let people have time to get the ball rolling. From what I've observed, the first person to speak will say something really positive. Others will comment on it, but the feedback will start to roll in. Eventually, you may get people's most passionate objections to your guild policies. The important thing in such meetings is to listen. Let people know that you will hear their concerns and take them to the table at the next officer meeting.
I can tell you, sometimes CD officers have felt frustrated and under-appreciated at our open meetings. Try to think beyond yourself and your immediate reactions. Is there something helpful you can learn from a person's complaints? We've found that even the most ardent whiners aren't able to sidetrack the guild from its most cherished goals. However, we've also discovered some useful information in open meetings. In at least two cases, at the next officer meeting, we changed policies based on public opinion.
2. Post Officer Meeting Notes
Officers spend a lot of time discussing policy in meetings–earn credit for that time with your members by posting notes. You don't have to expose every controversy, and naturally, anything pertaining to specific players should be kept quiet. However, when you're writing new policies, a little item in your notes that says something like "Discussed Revisions to Attendance Policy" will let your members know that the officers are actually responding to the changing conditions in the guild. CD allows members to comment on officer meeting notes–we get many good ideas this way.
3. Have a Feedback Forum
CD has a forum in which only officers can post and everyone can reply. The purpose is to elicit member opinion on major policies. Recently we have decided to implement a Raider Status and attendance requirement for Wrath of the Lich King. Our policy drafts went up in this forum, and there was a lively exchange between officers and members. We were able to clarify our intentions, and the final document is, as a result, very clean and easy to read. Of course, some members disagreed with the officers' decision and thought that we should continue without Raider Status. We tried to assuage their (mostly unfounded) fears, but we did hold firm to what we had decided. However, some of those objections led to clearer policy, and as such, they were a very fortunate thing.
4. Allow Members to send PMs to Officers
Your guild website should have the capacity to send Personal Messages. These are like emails, only less formal. When CD members have personal complaints–either something they want to keep private or something that only affects them–the best way to communicate that is a PM to one of the officers. If they do not request that the note be kept private, often we share these with other officers so we get a balanced solution. A good example of this kind of issue is the perennial loot quandary. It has happened several times that a CD member has felt that loot was distributed incorrectly. Sometimes the members are right. Inevitably, things go a little bit awry with any loot system. These member issues have actually helped CD officers revise the loot system for Wrath so that it is more fair to all raiders.
The Two Types of Feedback
As a guild leader you can expect to get two types of feedback: legitimate concerns and QQ. Here is how I suggest that you address each type.
Legitimate Concerns:
Sometimes members are able to see around officers' blind spots. Often the members are first to know when someone has been treated unfairly. Even in the best guilds, this can happen by accident! Make sure your policies are flexible enough to change if they are really not working.
Here are some common examples of legitimate concerns.
1. One of your guild members is behaving in an offensive manner or specifically antagonizing someone.
2. One of the guild policies has had unintended consequences. For example, there might be a loophole in your loot system, or you might be distributing BoE items like Hearts of Darkness in an unequal manner.
3. A specific member or subset of the guild is feeling overworked or burned out.
4. Something in your raid strategy is not getting desired results.
Sometimes you'll get a PM and just know that the person has a valid point. When that happens, don't panic. Reply to the person and let him or her know that the issue is going on the next officer meeting agenda. Make sure you talk about it, and make appropriate policy, rostering, or strategy changes.
The letters QQ are meant to resemble crying eyes, and QQ is synonymous with whiny complaints. QQ is constant and unavoidable. I am going to make a radical suggestion here for how to deal with this. As you read or listen to the complaint, try and imagine that it is legitimate. Even if you end up disagreeing with the person or even reprimanding her, hear her out before you do that. QQ is called QQ because it's communicated in a less-than-constructive way. However, separate the content from the means of delivery to find out if, behind the tears and snivels, there is actually a valid issue to be addressed. If the person has a point, put their issue on the meeting agenda just like any other member concern.
The following is a list of issues people tend to feel passionately about in the game. As such, they are likely topics for QQ.
1. Loot Issues.
This will always be the number one cause of weeping and gnashing of teeth in the World of Warcraft. Most of these complaints are unfounded. If you have a loot council, you will be dealing with this often. Try to make the person reasonable, or at least resigned.
However, sometimes loot issues are very much legitimate. If someone is concerned that he consistently gets passed over for loot or that others of his class and spec with similar attendance have significantly better gear, he is probably right. Loot systems of whatever type tend to have loopholes through which many purples flow. These complaints are a way to discover if your system is really working the way you intended it to. It may be that "unlucky" players, or players in certain roles, truly are not getting their fair share. If this is the case, do something about it! Whenever you find injustice in your guild, stamp it out!
2. Personality Conflicts.
In a raiding guild of 35+ members, not everyone is going to get along. Members who are at the high end or the low end of the competence scale may attract a lot of complaints due to jealousy on the one end and resentment on the other. Evaluate each of these complaints for validity. As an officer, you need to know the difference between one of your raiders having a bad day, or a bad week, and just plain out being a bad egg who either does not play up to the standard of your raid or makes everyone miserable. You should also ask pointed questions to decide if harassment is involved. For example, if one of your female members is having to field consistent come-ons from a male raider, this is a legitimate complaint and you should probably kick him. Many guilds let rampant sexism, racism, and all-out prejudice go on in g-chat or vent. In my opinion, this kind of thing isn't very funny–or very conducive to successful raiding. I would rather play in an organization that's open to different types of members. Sure, Collateral Damage cuts loose a bit late night on vent, but on the whole we're an organization that 10-year-old girls could happily and safely belong to. "Cutting loose," by the way, is different from encouraging prejudice. No one minds a little innuendo or even well-meaning jokes at someone's expense–the problem comes when members harass each other. As a guild leader, you should be able to tell the difference.
3. Bench Issues
The #1 topic of PMs sent to officers in Collateral Damage has to do with raid scheduling. Long story short, people want to be in when it's convenient for them and out when its not. A lot of people feel frustrated that they're not in full control of when they get picked to raid. For the most part, people just have to deal with it. Officers can lend a sympathetic ear, but we know that we have to balance the needs of many different people. Bench happens, more often than some people would like. However, if a person complains that they are consistently being passed over for a raid spot, you need to investigate that issue. Look at that person's attendance and performance. Does he have a legitimate complaint? Has he been forgotten, or is there a deeper issue? Is someone getting preferential treatment and not sitting their fair share of time? If so, rectify that immediately. No one–especially not officers–should get out of sitting the bench. Sometimes, however, the raid leader is perfectly justified in sitting a player frequently, especially if he's not performing up to the standard of the group. This can be a good opportunity for the class or raid leader to work with this person on improving his play. After all, raiders are supposed to want to play up to their potential. If that interest isn't there, it could be time for a frank talk about that player's status in the guild.
Don't fear feedback from your members. Embrace it, and deal with it in a timely manner. After all, you are in service to your guild members. They're really not trying to ruin your day. When members complain, they do so because they care about the quality of their in-game experience. Never fall back on the "it's just a game" excuse for unequitable behavior. Sure, it's a game, but games have rules. They're only fun if you follow them. One of the rules of being a GM is to create an environment your members feel comfortable in. Otherwise, you're no better than the three year old who kicks over the Monopoly board and then sticks the house from Park Place up his nose.